Best Attractions Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta

The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is a destination on its own—but many of the city’s best attractions are clustered within a short walk or quick ride. Whether you’re planning a full day around the aquarium or looking for something nearby to fill a few extra hours, there’s plenty to do without ever leaving the heart of the city.

Below is a locally focused guide to top attractions near the Georgia Aquarium, with walking times, what to expect, and practical tips for visitors and Atlanta residents alike.

Quick Overview: What’s Near the Georgia Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium’s address is:

• Georgia Aquarium
  225 Baker St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

It sits in the downtown Atlanta entertainment district, right by Centennial Olympic Park. Within about a 10-minute walk, you’ll find major attractions, green space, museums, sports venues, and family-friendly activities.

At-a-Glance: Key Attractions Within Walking Distance

World of Coca‑Cola: Steps Away from the Aquarium

Distance: About 2–3 minutes on foot
Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Right beside the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is one of the most popular follow-up stops. The museum-style experience focuses on the history of Coca‑Cola, its advertising, and its global reach.

What to expect:

• Interactive exhibits and memorabilia
• A bottling line demonstration
• A tasting area featuring different Coca‑Cola products from around the world

Local tip:
If you’re planning to visit both the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola in one day, it can be easier to park once in a nearby garage and walk between them rather than moving your car. Many Atlanta locals use the Georgia Aquarium parking deck on Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd or nearby pay lots and walk to both attractions.

Centennial Olympic Park: Green Space in the Middle of Downtown

Distance: 2–5 minutes on foot (depending on where you enter the park)
Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Directly across from the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park offers open lawns, fountains, and paved walking paths. It’s a convenient place to take a break before or after your aquarium visit.

Highlights:

• Fountain of Rings: A popular splash area in warm weather
• Open green spaces for relaxing or letting kids burn off energy
• Occasional festivals, concerts, and public events

Why Atlanta residents use it:
Locals often treat the park as a meet-up spot or picnic area, especially when combining the aquarium with other nearby attractions. If you’re downtown with kids, this is an easy way to get some outdoor time without leaving the area.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Distance: About 5 minutes on foot
Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Just a short walk from the aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights history to ongoing human rights issues.

What you’ll find:

• Exhibits focused on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, including Atlanta’s role
• Interactive displays about global human rights struggles
• Rotating exhibits that change over time

Good to know:
This attraction is especially meaningful for visitors looking to understand Atlanta’s deeper historic and social context. Many locals recommend pairing the aquarium (more playful, family-oriented) with this center (more reflective and educational) for a balanced downtown day.

College Football Hall of Fame

Distance: 8–10 minutes on foot
Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The College Football Hall of Fame is close enough to visit the same day as the aquarium, especially if you’re a football fan.

Features include:

• A large wall of college football helmets
• Interactive challenges like field-goal kicking and passing drills
• Exhibits on famous players, coaches, and colleges

Who it’s best for:
Families with sports-loving kids, college football enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a high-energy experience close to the aquarium.

SkyView Atlanta: Downtown Views from Above

Distance: Around 10 minutes on foot
Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel offers aerial views of the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Atlanta skyline.

What to know:

• Enclosed gondolas, which can be more comfortable in varying weather
• Popular in the evening for lit-up city views
• Located across from Centennial Olympic Park, near restaurants and shops

Local perspective:
Some Atlanta residents recommend riding SkyView at sunset or after dark, especially if you’ve spent the daytime hours inside the aquarium and nearby museums.

State Farm Arena and Event District

Distance: 10–12 minutes on foot
Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Home to the Atlanta Hawks and major concerts, State Farm Arena is part of the same downtown zone as the Georgia Aquarium.

Why it’s relevant if you’re planning around the aquarium:

• Many visitors combine an afternoon at the aquarium with an evening game or concert.
• Restaurants and quick-service options near the arena make it simple to grab food between activities.

Practical note:
If you’re attending a night event at State Farm Arena, consider walking through Centennial Olympic Park from the aquarium area, or follow well-lit streets along Marietta St NW or Andrew Young International Blvd.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Perfect for Younger Kids

Distance: About 8–10 minutes on foot
Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

If you’re visiting the aquarium with young children, the nearby Children’s Museum of Atlanta is another popular stop.

Highlights:

• Hands-on exhibits focused on play-based learning
• Indoor play areas suitable for toddlers and early elementary age
• Rotating themed exhibits and daily activities

Planning tip for families:
Many Atlanta parents plan a morning at the Georgia Aquarium (often when kids have more energy) and then head to the Children’s Museum after lunch, or vice versa, depending on nap schedules.

Attractions Slightly Farther but Still Easy from the Aquarium

If you’re willing to take a quick ride or a slightly longer walk, you can reach several more notable Atlanta attractions from the aquarium area.

The CNN Center Area

While the CNN studio tours have changed over time, the CNN Center complex and surrounding blocks remain a hub for food and general activity near Centennial Olympic Park.

• Various quick-service dining options
• Adjacent to State Farm Arena
• Often used by locals as a convenience stop when bouncing between downtown events

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Distance: About 15–20 minutes on foot or a short rideshare
Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is reachable from the Georgia Aquarium.

Many people:

• Visit the aquarium in the morning or early afternoon
• Head to the stadium later for a game or major event

Getting Around: Walking, MARTA, and Parking Near the Aquarium

Walking

The area around the Georgia Aquarium is designed for pedestrians:

• Sidewalks connect the aquarium to World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and nearby museums.
• Crosswalks and clear signage help you navigate between attractions.

If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, you can often walk to the aquarium and many of the nearby sites in 10–15 minutes.

MARTA (Atlanta’s Public Transit)

The Georgia Aquarium is accessible via MARTA rail and bus:

• Closest rail stations:
  • Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line)
• From either, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk to the aquarium area.

Many local commuters and budget-conscious visitors use MARTA to avoid downtown parking costs, then walk between the aquarium and nearby attractions.

Parking

If you’re driving:

• The Georgia Aquarium official parking deck is off Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW, close to the main entrance.
• Nearby attractions (World of Coca‑Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, National Center for Civil and Human Rights) are all within walking distance from the same parking area.

🚗 Tip: Plan to leave your car parked and walk to multiple destinations. Moving your vehicle between attractions can add time and additional parking fees.

How to Plan a One-Day Itinerary Around the Georgia Aquarium

If you want to make the most of the attractions around the Georgia Aquarium, here are a few sample combinations Atlanta visitors and locals commonly use:

Family-Friendly Day

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Midday: Picnic or playtime at Centennial Olympic Park
• Afternoon: World of Coca‑Cola or Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Culture and History Focus

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Lunch: Nearby spot along Marietta St NW or within walking distance of the park
• Afternoon: National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Evening: Stroll through the park or ride SkyView Atlanta for city views

Sports and Entertainment Combo

• Morning/Afternoon: Georgia Aquarium
• Late Afternoon: College Football Hall of Fame
• Evening: Game or concert at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Practical Tips for Visiting Multiple Attractions Near the Aquarium

• Buy tickets in advance when possible: Popular attractions like the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and major sports venues can have lines, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Check hours before you go: Operating hours can vary by season, day of the week, and special events in downtown Atlanta.
• Dress for walking: Even if everything looks close on the map, you may easily hit several thousand steps moving between sites.
• Plan for weather: Downtown Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer and cooler than expected in winter; having water and a light layer helps if you’re walking between attractions.
• Allow buffer time: Traffic, events, and crowds can slow movement around the Centennial Olympic Park area, especially when there are games or concerts nearby.

If you’re near the Georgia Aquarium, you are already in the middle of one of Atlanta’s most walkable and attraction-rich districts. With major museums, parks, family activities, and entertainment venues within a few blocks, it’s easy to fill a half day or a full weekend without ever leaving downtown.